Samantha Williams
Media Officer, BICA (British Infertility Counselling Association)
Fertility treatments can be emotionally taxing, physically demanding and, often, financially challenging.
The British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA) was established in 1988 by Jennie Hunt and has played a fundamental role in shaping the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority’s (HFEA) approach to counselling provision. Today, BICA continues to uphold high standards of patient care through its specialist accreditation scheme.
Fertility counselling is crucial
Fertility counselling is a crucial component during fertility treatments. Patients experience overwhelming emotional, psychological stress as they navigate cycles of hope, disappointment, grief, anxiety and sometimes guilt. These feelings can be compounded by the pressures of timelines, invasive procedures and repeated disappointment. Counselling offers a confidential space to explore feelings and make sense of this emotional rollercoaster.
Counselling can offer individuals or couples a space to make informed and emotionally grounded decisions around treatment — whether that’s to continue treatment; take a break; consider alternative paths such as adoption and surrogacy; or stop. This space for reflection can be especially crucial after multiple unsuccessful cycles.
One of the key benefits of
counselling throughout treatment
would be emotional regulation.
Donor conception
For those considering donor conception, implications counselling by a trained fertility counsellor is essential and can help with exploring fears and anxieties, as well as understanding UK legal requirements and concepts around raising a child born through donor conception. It can give people a sense of stability and informed choice at what can be a challenging and complex time.
One of the key benefits of counselling throughout treatment would be emotional regulation. By working with a fertility-trained therapist, patients can develop coping strategies to manage stress, maintain realistic expectations and build a sense of resilience. Counselling also helps to enhance communication between partners and support networks, reducing isolation and improving shared understanding during challenging decisions.
Empowering individuals and families
Fertility treatment is more than just medicine; it is about people, emotions and deeply personal dreams. Counselling through fertility treatments is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. It empowers people to move through uncertainty with clarity, compassion and hope. It supports emotional wellbeing and helps people find meaning and strength as they move towards building the family they long for.
